Is Almond Oil the New Coconut Oil?

There is nothing coconut oil can’t do. It’s super-moisturizing and anti-inflammatory. It can prevent protein loss in the hair. It’s antioxidant, meaning it scrounges up wrinkle-inducing free radicals. There is some research that suggests that consuming the medium-chain fatty acids can actually kickstart the metabolism. Oh, and there’s the dental benefit. Because most of the toxins in our mouth are fat-soluble, swishing the oil for up to 20 minutes is a great way to give your teeth a clean sweep.

But looking at the research, vitamin E packed almond oil touts benefits equally as impressive — especially in the summer. Studies have found it can prevent UV damage and improve complexion and skin tone, and when left in the hair, the biotin-rich oil can promote healthy growth.

Almond oil is slightly less expensive than coconut oil, and not solid at room temperature, meaning it’s slightly easier to apply as a hair mask or facial treatment. As for which smells better, the truth is you can’t go wrong with either option.